There was no doubt it was a hot year - breaking at least three records –including the most teams entered, most teams to consume more than one hundred wings, and the most student teams entered. There were a record thirty three teams entered and an unbelievable sixteen of them ate at least one hundred wings.

Included in the thirty three teams were eleven student teams – ranging from elementary to high school and included participants outside of the Marion City School district. Marion Catholic brought three student teams.

The event serves as Grant students’ fundraising effort for United Way of Marion County and raised more than $1,800 for the 2009 Campaign, which benefits more than twenty local agencies and thirty seven local programs.

Superintendent of Marion City Schools, Dr. Barney, announced a challenge to the wing-eating participants. Advising that he had made a deal with his staff – a $50 contribution to United Way would grant the opportunity to throw a pie at him – he threw in a twist. “If I can take seven pies in the face, I thought the Director of United Way, Pam Stone, could take one too. How much is everyone willing to give?” The participants raised an additional $170 for United Way, with their Director, Pam Stone, taking a surprise pie to the face.

The contest recognized winners in three categories: most wings consumed, first team to consume 100 wings, and most wings eaten in the shortest time. Grant Middle School’s Silver Student Team ate 150 wings, one of Lowe’s teams was the first to eat 100 wings, and OSUM ate 140 wings in less than three minutes.

The Lowe’s team and the OSUM team have agreed to face off again 3pm next Friday, October 30th at Buffalo Wild Wings to determine who can eat the most hot-wings in five minutes.